1. Introduction and foundation of Wado-Ryu
Wado-Ryu is a unique Japanese karate style created by Hironori Otsuka. The name “Wado-Ryu” means “the school of the way of peace” or “the school of the way of harmony”. Otsuka was a martial arts master with solid training in ju-jitsu from the Shindo Yoshin-ryu school. In 1922, he met Gichin Funakoshi, who introduced Okinawan karate to Japan, and began training with him. Combining his knowledge of ju-jitsu with Okinawan karate, Otsuka created the Wado-Ryu style in 1934.
2. Wado-Ryu philosophy
Otsuka believed that the ultimate goal of martial arts was not victory or defeat, but the perfection of the participant’s character. This philosophy is reflected in the practice of Wado-Ryu, which emphasizes natural movement, avoidance and harmony with the opponent, rather than brute force. In Wado-Ryu, technical efficiency is valued, with movements that use the opponent’s strength against him.
3. Wado-Ryu techniques
Wado-Ryu is known for its fluid, natural techniques. It uses full-body movements to generate power, and emphasizes avoidance and displacement rather than direct blocking. In addition, Wado-Ryu retains many of ju-jitsu’s grappling and throwing techniques, setting it apart from many other karate styles.
4. The development and spread of Wado-Ryu
After the creation of Wado-Ryu, Otsuka worked hard to promote his style throughout Japan. He established several dojos, and Wado-Ryu was officially recognized as an independent karate style by the Dai Nippon Butoku Kai, Japan’s national martial arts organization.
After the Second World War, Wado-Ryu spread outside Japan. Otsuka traveled to Europe and the United States to teach his style, and numerous Wado-Ryu dojos were established around the world.
5. Key players in Wado-Ryu
In addition to Hironori Otsuka, many other figures have played an important role in the history of Wado-Ryu. Among them was Jiro Otsuka (later known as Hironori Otsuka II), son of Hironori Otsuka, who succeeded his father as grandmaster of Wado-Ryu after his death in 1982.
There’s also Tatsuo Suzuki, a student of Otsuka’s who was instrumental in spreading Wado-Ryu in Europe. Suzuki established numerous Wado-Ryu dojos in Great Britain
and was a pioneer in promoting and teaching Wado-Ryu outside Japan.
6. Characteristics of Wado-Ryu
Wado-Ryu is distinguished by its fluid movements, its use of the opponent’s strength and its emphasis on avoidance and harmony. Striking techniques are executed with speed and precision, and moving and deflecting techniques are used to avoid the opponent’s attacks.
Wado-Ryu also emphasizes katas, which are series of pre-defined movements. Wado-Ryu katas are characterized by supple, natural movements that emphasize the principles of avoidance and harmony.
7. Wado-Ryu schools
After Hironori Otsuka’s death, various schools and organizations were set up to promote and teach Wado-Ryu. Among the best-known are the Wado-Kai Federation, founded by Tatsuo Suzuki, and the Wado International Association, founded by Hironori Otsuka II.
These organizations have worked to preserve and promote Wado-Ryu, organizing competitions, training courses and international exchanges between Wado-Ryu practitioners around the world.
Conclusion
Wado-Ryu is a unique style of karate that combines the principles of Okinawan karate and ju-jitsu. With its philosophy of the way of peace and harmony, its fluid and natural techniques, and its network of schools and dedicated practitioners around the world, Wado-Ryu continues to be an important contribution to the art of karate.